Tuesday, October 16, 2012

I switched off technology and spent the night in a haunted house

Last week, David and I escaped the city life for the mountains and I discovered more inspiration in those couple of days than I have in a long while. At the start of this year I had never seen snow in my life, and I feel fortunate that I have now seen it twice. I wrote about the first experience here.

We had some bizarre weather over the weekend and we saw snow (in Spring!) on the drive up to the Jenolan Caves which I learnt is the oldest cave system in the world at over 430 million years old. We were already late to meet our guide who would give us a tour of the caves but this sight was too irresistible to not stop and play for a while. Snow. Lots of it. Fresh beautiful soft snow amongst a sea of cherry blossom trees. I couldn't imagine a more perfect sight.

And in contrast, the following day we spent it by a beautiful blue lagoon in the sun amongst wildlife. I saw a water dragon and colourful birds and, although I have a phone in my hand here and promised to switch it off for the weekend, I used it to photograph the moment because I didn't want to ever forget it. Photographs won't fade.

I read design blogs every day. I talk about design to anyone that will listen. I look at beautiful interiors and I take photographs of inspiring architecture but nothing inspires me more than nature and when it creates a show like this it is not hard to see why.

Colour in its most purest form is so beautiful to see. I encourage you if you are looking for inspiration for your home in terms of design or decor or a creative project, to switch off technology for a while and go for a walk in your neighbourhood. I promise you won't be disappointed.

Where have you found inspiration lately?

PS. Tomorrow I'll tell you more about the haunted house and share photographs of the beautiful old building with you.

ish & chi is a design blog by interior designer Vivian Panagos featuring tours, interviews with creatives, decorating and style ideas, and a portfolio of projects including the makeover of her Sydney home.